WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 5989

Highways: memorial; portion of M-40; designate as the "Chief David Haverdink Memorial Highway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 126.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jaime Greene and 1 co-sponsor

Designates a portion of M-40 as the Chief David Haverdink Memorial Highway, a commemorative naming without altering traffic laws or operational provisions.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
#highways:memorial #stateagencies(existing):transportation
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5989

Overview

HB 5989 (2025-2026, Michigan) would designate a segment of M-40 as the “Chief David Haverdink Memorial Highway.” The bill would amend 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 – 250.2092) by adding a new Section 126 to establish the memorial designation.

Purpose and intent

  • Honor the memory and service of Chief David Haverdink by dedicating a portion of Michigan’s M-40 highway to his legacy.
  • Provide a formal, state-level designation of the roadway segment for commemorative purposes.

Key provisions

  • Adds Section 126 to 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 – 250.2092) to designate a specified portion of M-40 as the “Chief David Haverdink Memorial Highway.”
  • The designation is a memorial or honorary naming, rather than a change in traffic laws, tolls, or operational responsibilities.
  • The bill does not appear to alter jurisdiction, maintenance, or enforcement powers beyond the naming designation (i.e., no changes to speed limits, signage standards, or revenue collection are specified in the summary).

Who/what is affected

  • The portion of M-40 identified in the act would carry the memorial designation.
  • No direct fiscal impacts, programmatic changes, or regulatory shifts are described beyond the naming, unless future implementing language specifies signage or administrative costs.
  • Likely stakeholders include local communities along the M-40 corridor, state transportation authorities, road users, and families or colleagues of Chief David Haverdink.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced on May 19, 2026 by Representative Rachelle Smit (co-sponsored by Jaime Greene).
  • Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration.
  • The action history indicates standard first-reading and committee referral steps; no further actions (as of the provided timeline) are listed.

Potential considerations

  • Implementation: If enacted, the Department of Transportation would typically install and maintain commemorative signage consistent with Michigan’s naming conventions for memorial highways.
  • Public data: Official maps, signage inventories, and state transportation records would reflect the new designation.
  • Fiscal impact: While not detailed, costs for signage, installation, and maintenance would generally fall under routine commemorative designations unless otherwise specified in budget language.

This summary provides the bill’s core purpose, provisions, affected parties, and the legislative process status based on the available text and history. If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar memorial highway designations or outline typical signage requirements Michigan uses for such designations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.